Dedicant Program Requirements

To complete the Dedicant Program and have it officially recognized with the Mother Grove, I have to complete a variety of requirements that deal with my understanding and development with Our Own Druidry. I will list them here and add any relevant notes.

1. Written discussions of the Dedicant's understanding of each of the following nine virtues: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation and fertility. The Dedicant may also include other virtues, if desired, and compare them to these nine. (125 words min. each) I plan on beginning a set of meditation and reflection, each focused on one of the virtues. Depending on my personal understanding of a virtue, I could spent anywhere from a day or two to a few weeks pondering the virtue. This will culminate in me writing my short essay for each.
   
2. Short essays on each of the eight ADF High Days including a discussion of the meaning of each feast. (125 words min. each) I plan on doing this on or around the corresponding holiday.
   
3. Short book reviews on at least: 1 Indo-European studies title, 1 preferred ethnic study title and 1 modern Paganism title. These titles can be selected from the recommended reading list in the Dedicant Program manual or the ADF web site, or chosen by the student, with prior approval of the Preceptor. (325 word min. each) I will speak about this in a separate blog post.
   
4. A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant's home shrine and plans for future improvements. (150 words min.) I basically have a working altar in the ADF setup, with the exception of a few things.
   
5. An essay focusing on the Dedicants understanding of the meaning of the "Two Powers" meditation or other form of 'grounding and centering', as used in meditation and ritual. This account should include impressions and insights that the Dedicant gained from practical experience. (300 word min) I've already tried the Two Powers meditation and enjoy it greatly. I will do this towards the end of my studies, as I plan on practicing this and developing my meditation abilities greatly.
   
6. An essay or journal covering the Dedicant's personal experience of building mental discipline, through the use of meditation, trance, or other systematic techniques on a regular basis. The experiences in the essay or journal should cover at least a five months period. (800 words min.) This will be the precursor to requirement #5. I plan on doing a journal covering from soon to the end of my DP studies.
   
7. An account of the Dedicant's efforts to work with nature, honor the Earth, and understand the impacts and effects of the Dedicant's lifestyle choices on the environment and/or the local ecosystem and how she or he could make a difference to the environment on a local level. (500 word min) This will be a combination of research and practical application. There are many ways individual people can reduce their footprints on the Earth and it's easy enough to try.
   
8. A brief account of each High Day ritual attended or performed by the Dedicant in a twelve month period. High Days attended/performed might be celebrated with a local grove, privately, or with another Neopagan group. At least 4 of the rituals attended/performed during the training period must be ADF-style. (100 words min. each) This will start with Lughnassadh and end next Midsummer. My intention is to do all eight ADF-style, though the primary hearth culture being called on may change.
9. ONE essay describing the Dedicants understanding of and relationship to EACH of the Three Kindred: the Spirits of Nature, the Ancestors and the Gods. (300 words min. for each Kindred and 1000 words total) This requirement will be completed towards the end of my DP studies, as I'd like to get practical experience in working with them in my High Day observances.
   
10. A brief account of the efforts of the Dedicant to develop and explore a personal (or Grove-centered) spiritual practice, drawn from a specific culture or combination of cultures. (600 words min.) I will basically discuss my efforts to research Celtic Wales and Britain and incorporate folk customs, language, et cetera into my practice.
    
11. The text of the Dedicant's Oath Rite and a self-evaluation of the Dedicant's performance of the rite. (500 word min.) Obviously this will be done when I do my Oath Rite, tentatively planned for on or around Midsummer.
    

Allo folks!

Many blessings, all!

I recently began ADF's Dedicant Program. My plan is to get it done in or around a year, though I'm not setting an exact date of completion. This blog is my attempt to semi-sort-of chronicle my spiritual and academic growth throughout the DP, though no promises that anything posted here will make sense! :)

I hope to post once a week and synthesize what it was I read about, practiced (as in meditation), performed (High Days, devotionals), et cetera.

Currently, I'm reading The Myth of Matriarchal Prehistory by Cynthia Eller. When I've read more, I will post my thoughts.

Thanks for tuning in!

Cyfrin